Investigators with the GCSO School Enforcement Unit charged a 4th-grade student after a firearm was located inside the student’s backpack.
Deputies were called to Cherrydale Elementary just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, and upon further investigation, investigators learned that the student was overheard by another student talking about having a gun. The information was immediately reported to student’s teacher, who, in turn, alerted the school administration. School Officials conducted a subsequent search of the backpack and the gun was found. Deputies observed the empty gun but also noted an unattached magazine with ammunition inside. The student made no reported threats.
Sheriff Hobart Lewis commented on the swift reporting by the student and staff, “A situation like this is certainly scary on many fronts; however, I commend the young student who reported this information and praise the staff’s swift action for notifying law enforcement and all the proper channels to ensure everyone at the school was safe, and the weapon was accounted for. This is a prime example of seeing something, saying something.”
Due to the student’s age, their information will not be released; however, the student is being charged with Possession of a Weapon on School Property. The child was turned over to their guardian and not taken into custody.
